A New You: Dream bigger, be happier, go further, and make a greater impact for others

“Expect a miracle every day; expect a miracle when you pray. If you expect it God will find a way, To perform a miracle for you each day.” Oral Roberts.
A while ago, a friend of mine told me a fictional story about a wise king who conducted a test. The king placed a large rock in the middle of the road, and then he hid behind a tree in the wooded area nearby watching intently. Curious, the king wanted to observe if anyone would make an effort to remove the huge stumbling block from the road.
Time passed, and some of the king’s shopkeepers came by and simply walked around the rock. A few more minutes elapsed; and in the distance, the king heard people complaining. As they approached the rock, some merchants blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear. But none of them tried to remove it.
Another group drew closer. They saw the barrier and turned around and went in another direction.
Next, a farmer boy walked along the road carrying a basket of vegetables. The boy approached the rock and with immediacy, he put down his basket and tried to remove it from the road. The king watched in awe, as the farm boy tried again and again to push the large rock out of the way.
The boy didn’t think to himself, ‘this obstacle is too big. I’ll never succeed,’ or ‘I’m not qualified or strong enough’ to complete the task. He stumbled. And he fell. Yet, he got back up on his feet and kept attempting to roll the stone away.
Finally, the boy succeeded. As he bent down to pick up his basket of vegetables, the farm boy noticed a wallet lying in the road where the rock had been placed.
Suddenly, the king appeared from behind the tree and said, “This wallet is for you.” Wide-eyed, the boy was startled.
Continuing, the king declared, “The wallet contains gold coins, and I put it there for the person who removed the large rock from the road. Take this gold, and you and your family will live comfortably for the rest of your lives.”
The king had a better, bigger and brighter plan for the person who would persist with the right attitude. For as this story demonstrates; obstacles can present opportunities to improve your condition.
Likewise, your stumbling blocks can turn into stepping stones. So you must persist for God has a better, bigger and brighter plan for you.
On the way to fulfilling your heart’s desires, there could be times of testing. That’s why a positive mindset and perseverance is so important. Last week, my daughter had a math test; and during the exam, she told me that she had a question on one of her math problems. “Did you ask the teacher for help?” I inquired.
“Oh no, mom…” my daughter blurted out. We both went silent for a moment.
“Why not honey?” I asked. After a brief pause, my daughter announced, “The teacher is always quiet during the test.”
In the same way, it may seem as though God has been silent. Maybe nothing appears to be happening. Someone might have hurt you. Or else, you just don’t know how situations are going to work out for you. But do not get distracted, discouraged, or start to talk yourself out of continuing to pursue your God-given dreams. It may be only a test, for Scripture says, “These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold -- and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold…” (1 Peter 1:7)
Therefore, do not despair or be shaken by temporary setbacks, challenges or delays. Trust God in every circumstance. Similar to a Rubik cube that has many different sides, God has countless ways to bless you. You haven’t been brought this far for God to give up on you now. So don’t give up on yourself and the amazing future that’s in store. There are infinite possibilities ahead for you.
Thus, beginning today:
Speak as though your God-given goals are going to soon occur. When David was encountering a giant, David declared victory ‘before’ the battle was won. Then, with just a sling shot and a stone, David defeated Goliath. And so, “Declare what is to be, present it…” (Isaiah 45:21).
Act as though your heart’s desire will happen. When Moses faced the Red Sea, God told Moses to tell the people of Israel to ‘go forward.’ Moses lifted up his staff and stretched out his hand over the sea and divided it. God dramatically caused a strong wind to blow. The waters parted. And the people walked on the sea floor, on dry ground, safely to the other side. Accordingly, “Press on toward the goal…” (Philippians 3:14).
Pray as though your hopes and dreams are bound to come to fruition. When Jesus took two fish and five loaves of bread to feed the people, first, He looked up to the heavens, ‘prayed’ and blessed the food. Miraculously, the food was multiplied, and over five thousand people were fed. “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:22).
Remember, at any moment, God can do something incredible for you. “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably exceedingly abundantly more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20).
So, dream bigger, be happier, go further, and make a greater impact for others.
Trust God’s timing and, “… throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And with perseverance run the race marked out for you.” (Hebrews 12:1). And the outcome will be far better than you could ever have imagined.

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About the Author

For more from inspirational columnist Catherine Galasso-Vigorito, visit www.anewyouworldwide.com.